Exploring Specialized Fields Series, Part 4: Working as a Court Reporter

This is the fourth and final installment in our career-certifications series. In this article, I will discuss another growing area in the field of administration: court reporting.

Court reporters have very important jobs. It's incumbent upon court reporters to obtain accurate records of the spoken word, necessary for legal records and correspondence. Many court reporters assist judges and trial attorneys in a variety of ways, such as researching information in official records or making suggestions to judges and attorneys regarding courtroom administration and procedures.

If you're considering a career in court reporting, job prospects are good for you! But, you'll be required to stay abreast of technology to remain competitive in the field. Here are some facts:

• Court-reporting careers are expected to grow by 25 percent between 2006 and 2010, especially for those with certification.
• Real-time broadcast captioning and translation will be instrumental in job growth.
• Certification and training varies by your specialization. Licensure requirements vary from state to state.
• The average wage is approximately $45,500, depending upon experience.

Job Duties

Court reporters are responsible for transcribing verbal communication in many judicial settings. They not only participate in transcription of courtroom proceedings, but they may also be called upon to transcribe speeches, meetings, or any type of conversation where a legal record must be captured. The most important aspects of the job are speed and accuracy.

Many transcripts are collected to provide legal proof. Increasingly, court reporters are also providing closed-captioning and translation services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Court Reporting Methods

If you're considering this career, you will need to be prepared to learn about new technology used in court reporting. Three current methods of court reporting are stenographic, electronic and voice-writing.

Many of us are familiar with stenotype machines. We can all recall watching courtroom dramas where a court reporter silently punches the keys of a small machine resembling a typewriter. The machine is used to record combinations of letters representing words or phrases. The symbols are recorded, translated and displayed as text using computer-aided transcription (CAT).

Electronic court reporting uses audio equipment. The court reporter monitors the process, takes notes, and listens to the audio for clarity and quality. Transcribers then use the recording to provide a written transcript.

Finally, another method uses a voice-writer. The court reporter speaks into a voice-silencer, a handheld mask containing a microphone. The court reporter repeats the testimony while the mask prevents him or her from being heard by others. Transcripts are prepared later using the recording.

Education and Training

The amount of training needed to become a court reporter depends on the type of court reporting you'd like to engage in. Learning to use a stenotype machine may take up to 33 months. However, one can learn electronic-reporting skills on the job. It usually takes one-to-two years to learn to use the voice-writer proficiently.

You may obtain education and training through postsecondary vocational and technical schools and colleges. As you may recall from my article on accreditation, you should always check to see who has accredited the programs. As a reminder, if the accrediting agency is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, you will not qualify for financial aid.

State Licensure

Licensure is different and separate from certification, which I will discuss next. State licensure varies from state to state, so you should research your state's specific requirements. Also, licensure usually requires passing a test. Some states only require certification for using voice-writers. Some tests are written, and you're also evaluated on spelling, punctuation, vocabulary and legal terminology. Additionally, some states require that a court reporter be a notary public.

Certifications

As mentioned, some states require certifications in order to attain state licensure. You should check with your state about those specific certifications. Even if they're not required, attaining certifications may still increase your earning potential and your job prospects.

Several certifications are available, and this list is not intended to represent all that may be available:

• Registered Professional Reporter (RPR): The National Court Reporters Association provides this certification. You will need to pass a four-part test and some mandatory continuing education. Although this certification is considered voluntary, it's a mark of distinction in the field.
• Federal Certified Realtime Reporter (FCRR): This is offered by the United States Court Reporters Association and is considered voluntary. Again, you must pass a test to obtain this certification.
• Electronic Court Reporter (CER), Certified Electronic Court Transcriber (CET), and Certified Electronic Court Reporter and Transcriber (CERT): These three certifications are offered by the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers. Certification is voluntary and requires a written and practical examination. To be eligible for these exams, you must have worked as a court reporter for at least two years.

This concludes our four-part series on certifications. Watch for upcoming articles about attaining financial aid and scholarships for education. If you're what is considered a "nontraditional" student - not a recent high-school graduate - these articles will be tailored to you.